Pontiac District 429 Superintendent Brian Dukes/WJEZ file photo

By Neil Doyle

A new furry staff member will be joining the team at Pontiac District 429.

The district has secured a new therapy dog named Mason, according to Superintendent Brian Dukes.

“Thankfully our counselor Marci Hunt, who has just been outstanding, was able to secure a golden retriever,” said Dukes.

Dukes said Mason will go through specific training, which is different than a service dog. A therapy dog can work with all kids either individually or in a group setting.

Mason might start seeing students by the end of the year, but it depends on how the training progresses, according to Dukes.

While not at school, the dog will live with Hunt.